We headed south to Invercargill today. One of the people we met in Queenstown told us that Invercargill “has nothing to offer” … but our accommodation was booked so we headed south to see for ourselves. The place Jan booked was south of the city, so we had to drive through town. Our first impression was not great. It wasn’t necessarily bad, but it definitely didn’t look all that interesting either. We pressed bravely on anyway.
On the south side of town the rural countryside transitioned into “cottage” country – a “cottage” is called a “bach” in New Zealand. It was pretty convincing, complete with gravel roads. I had confidence in Jan’s ability to pick accommodation. Jan wasn’t quite as sure. But then we arrived at a wonderful tiny house with views over the ocean. We quickly unpacked and headed down to the beach for a barefoot walk in the sand.
We weren’t tempted to swim – the water is far colder than it was on the east coast of the north island – but it was perfect for walking barefoot. We love doing this, collecting stones and looking at the seaweed that washes up on the beach. So today, rather than more pictures of trees and flowers, you are going to be treated to pictures of seaweed on the Omaui Beach. Lucky you!
I won’t subject you to pictures of stones, except for this one perfect stone I found for Jan.
Then it was back to the “bach” for a relaxing beverage on the patio watching the surf.
We are steps away from the Omaui Reserve with walking paths through the bush and views of Stewart Island at the top. That is on our plate for tomorrow, along with more beach walks and beer/wine on the patio after.
If It Was Today... 
nice seaweed!
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed. We liked it because it almost looked like alien creatures. And we kept thinking about the snowstorm at home, which made it even more special.
Holy seaweed!
Indeed!
Not sure if this was on your itinerary or not…Slope Point, the southern most point in NZ. It feels like the end of the world for sure.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/a8R9TtXEnun2Kzqv7
Hi Jim,
Not sure if you are seeing my comments when I use the Comment Button at the bottom of each page because it always sends me to a window to sign up to subscribe (which I already do, so I’m not sure if you see the comments or not). I can see comments others have made, but not mine.
Anyway…not sure if this was on your itinerary or not: Slope Point. The southernmost point of NZ… and it feels like the end of the world there. Thought I would mention it, just in case it’s of interest for you and Jan.
Loving following along and contemplating our own visit to NZ next winter.
Wendy at Slope Point 2010 https://photos.app.goo.gl/a8R9TtXEnun2Kzqv7
Hello to Jan!
Wendy
Hi Wendy. Glad you are enjoying following along, and you definitely should visit NZ next winter. I think I saw one comment from you earlier, but not getting many … though I obviously got this one, so whatever you did today, do the same thing again in the future. And I always like it when people sign them so I know who it is from.
I just checked and we are about an hour and a quarter from Slope Point, which puts it directly in the 50-50 range. Watch tomorrow’s blog and you’ll see what we decide.
And this time I saw the comments both places…